Man sues care home over wife's freezing death

LONGVIEW, Wash.—A man who is suing a Washington state dementia-care home over the freezing death of his wife has asked the court to expedite testimony.

Donald Sheldon turns 90 next month and says he may not live to see the trial. He and Norma Sheldon were married for 69 years. He says in court records many of his friends died shortly after losing spouses.

The 88-year-old woman died of hypothermia in an enclosed courtyard at the Canterbury Gardens Alzheimer's Care Center on Dec. 28. The temperature was 28 degrees.

The Daily News reports (http://is.gd/W9dTNT) the state found violations at the home that included doors without alarms.

Canterbury officials have said they are sorry for the tragedy and are working with the Department of Social and Health Services to address concerns.